In the heart of Manchester, nestled within the walls of a converted factory turned industrial-chic studio, I stepped into the creative haven of Johnny Marr. A musical luminary with over four decades of experience, Marr has masterfully blended the art and science of music-making. Over the course of two sunlit summer days, I witnessed firsthand the essence of his creative process—uncovering the secrets of his enduring ingenuity that continues to inspire musicians across the globe.
The Marr Manifesto - A Symphony of Imagination, DIY Spirit, and Collaboration in Music Making
1 Imagination - Transforming Dreams Into Soundscapes
Marr’s manifesto begins with imagination at its core. A visionary, creator, and craftsman, Marr wields his guitar like a sorcerer’s wand, conjuring art from the depths of his mind. In an age where technological advancements have democratized music production, Marr champions the fusion of creativity and technology. It’s this blend of “ones and zeros” with the human heart and spirit that, as Marr describes, transforms brilliance into works that resonate deeply with humanity.
"Imagination and the human heart and the human spirit, which is the thing that goes into those ones and zeros, and manipulates them, sometimes brilliantly, and sometimes accidentally, into a piece of work that the other humans can react to."
Photo credit: Mat Bancroft & Ben Thornley @ Sitcom Soldiers
2 Do-It-Yourself - Picasso's Wisdom in Musical Creation
The second pillar of Marr's manifesto is a tribute to his unwavering work ethic and the ethos of action, echoing Picasso’s enduring mantra: “Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working.” For Marr, learning is a dynamic pursuit, driven by a steadfast commitment to his unique style, an openness to failure, and an unrelenting persistence in overcoming setbacks. His journey to personal mastery is marked by authenticity and a relentless quest for creative inspiration.
Photo credit: Roy Sharples
3 Craftsmanship - the Pursuit of Musical Greatness
The third tenet of Marr’s manifesto is his unwavering commitment to craftsmanship. Achieving greatness, he believes, requires self-discipline—a mindset that shapes every choice, decision, and action. For Marr, playing the guitar is not merely a skill but a vehicle for creativity, a means of crafting something genuinely artistic. The pursuit of peak performance, he argues, demands sacrifices—dedication to learning, growth, and the continual honing of essential skills.
"From the minute I could string a few chords together, I always saw the playing of an instrument as the pursuit of creating something. I use the guitar as a tool for creativity and making something artistic."
Photo credit: Mat Bancroft & Ben Thornley @ Sitcom Soldiers
4 Collaboration - Illuminating the Path Forward
The fourth principle of Marr’s manifesto calls on musicians to challenge the status quo through collaboration, embracing originality and forging connections between seemingly disparate worlds. Marr views collaboration as a catalyst for fresh experiences and inspiration—a powerful force that drives creativity forward and propels us into an uncharted future.
"The idea of feeling like you never know enough is an inspiring concept, and collaboration is a useful trigger for new experiences and inspiration."
Photo credit: Mat Bancroft & Ben Thornley @ Sitcom Soldiers
5 Mentorship- Standing on the Shoulders of Giants
The final pillar of Marr's manifesto highlights the vital role of mentorship. Learning from the past, seeking guidance from trusted voices, and standing on the shoulders of giants are essential to advancing one’s musical journey. According to Marr, positive role models are crucial in nurturing talent and accelerating artistic growth.
"We had a couple of producers in the early days, and I just watched those guys like a hawk, and in some ways, there were a couple of characters who became mentors to me. I was like a sponge trying to learn everything I could from these older people."
Photo credit: Roy Sharples
Johnny Marr's manifesto for musicianship is more than just a collection of principles; it’s a living testament to a life devoted to the art and science of music-making. To aspiring musicians: immerse yourselves in the symphony of imagination, embrace the DIY ethos, refine your craftsmanship, cultivate collaborations, and draw wisdom from those who came before. In Marr’s world, the chords of our soul aren’t merely played—they are intricately woven into the fabric of our shared human experience.
Watch the documentary "Creativity in the Digital Age"
Credits
Executive Producers: Roy Sharples and Steve Franklin. Art Direction: Mat Bancroft. Production Direction: Ben Thornley. Filmed by: Sitcom Soldiers. Artist Management: Sammi Wild and Gary Cohen, ATC Management.
Thank you
Johnny Marr, Dave Cronen, Trust Management, Doviak, Iwan Gronow, Jack Mitchell, Natasha Kay-Sportelli, and Microsoft.
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Creator
Roy Sharples
Founder and CEO of Unknown Origins Creative Studios, is in the fight against the epidemic of unoriginality by unleashing creative bravery. Author of "Creativity Without Frontiers: How to make the invisible visible by lighting the way into the future."
Attitude. Imagination. Execution.
Unknown Origins Creative Studios. All rights reserved © copyright 2021
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